Frequency pairing for device synchronization

ABSTRACT

A device may include a processor, a receiver, and a transmitter. The receiver may be configured to receive a content signal. The transmitter may be configured to transmit the content signal. The transmitter may be configured to transmit an associated inaudible signal. The content signal, the associated inaudible signal, or both, may be transmitted to one or more electronic devices. Each of the one or more electronic devices may be configured with audio interfaces. The receiver may be configured to receive a respective message from each of the one or more electronic devices. Each respective message may be based on the associated inaudible signal. Each respective message may include a respective electronic device identifier. The transmitter may be configured to transmit one of the respective messages.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for frequency pairing fordevice synchronization.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices, such as voice-activated electronic devices, do notact unless activated by an audible wake word. These audible wake wordsdetract from natural interactions between users and the voice-activatedelectronic devices. To remove the burden from the user to activate thevoice-activated electronic device, it would be desirable to silentlyactivate the voice-activated electronic device. It would be desirable toactivate the voice-activated device using a non-interferingcommunication such that the content for user consumption is notinterrupted. It would also be desirable for the system to distinguishaudio cues from the content and from the user. It would also bedesirable to ensure that the voice-activated electronic device performthe specific function intended by the user. It would also be desirablefor the system to communicate without requiring prior pairing with thevoice-activated electronic device. It would also be desirable tocommunicate with multiple and varying types of voice-activatedelectronic devices simultaneously.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are implementations of methods and systems forfrequency pairing for device synchronization. Frequency pairing fordevice synchronization may be used in an advertisement context to allowa user to naturally and seamlessly interact with content to receiveinformation regarding a particular product. Frequency pairing for devicesynchronization may be used in an audiobook context to allow a user tonaturally and seamlessly interact with the audiobook to control thedirection of the story. Frequency pairing for device synchronization maybe used in a camera system to allow a user to naturally and seamlesslyalert law enforcement of a potential intruder.

In an aspect, a device may include a processor, a receiver, and atransmitter. The receiver may be configured to receive an audible signaland an inaudible signal. The inaudible signal may be associated with acontent characteristic of the audible signal. The transmitter may beconfigured to transmit the audible signal, the inaudible signal, or bothto one or more electronic devices having audio interfaces. The receivermay be configured to receive a respective message from each of the oneor more electronic devices. Each respective message may be based on thecontent characteristic. Each respective message may include a respectiveelectronic device identifier. The transmitter may be configured totransmit one of the respective messages.

In an aspect, a device may include a processor, a receiver, and atransmitter. The receiver may be configured to receive a content signal.The transmitter may be configured to transmit the content signal. Thetransmitter may be configured to transmit an associated inaudiblesignal. The content signal, the associated inaudible signal, or both,may be transmitted to one or more electronic devices. Each of the one ormore electronic devices may be configured with audio interfaces. Thereceiver may be configured to receive a respective message from each ofthe one or more electronic devices. Each respective message may be basedon the associated inaudible signal. Each respective message may includea respective electronic device identifier. The transmitter may beconfigured to transmit one of the respective messages.

In an aspect, a method may include receiving a first inaudible signal.The first inaudible signal may be associated with a content signal. Themethod may include receiving an input. The method may includetransmitting a second inaudible signal. The second inaudible signal maybe responsive to the input. The second inaudible signal may indicate toan electronic device to ignore the first inaudible signal. The methodmay include transmitting a message. The message may be based on theinput, and a content identifier of the first inaudible signal, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Itis emphasized that, according to common practice, the various featuresof the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of thevarious features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system for contentconsumption.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of an electronic device capableof receiving audible and inaudible inputs in accordance with one or moreembodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a signal diagram of an example of a system for devicesynchronization in accordance with one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a signal diagram of another example of a system for devicesynchronization in accordance with one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a signal diagram of another example of a system for devicesynchronization in accordance with one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for reducing duplicate responses inaccordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Typical systems for interactive content consumption require a user toperform multiple steps to activate an electronic device in the contextof the content, resulting in a disjointed and undesirable userexperience. The embodiments disclosed herein may augment userinteraction with content by providing seamless communication betweencontent devices and other electronic devices using inaudiblefrequencies. The inaudible frequencies may be paired with audiblefrequencies to enable a non-intrusive and distinct path for electronicdevice commands without requiring the user to activate the electronicdevice to initiate the path.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system 100 for contentconsumption. System 100 includes a content device 110, an electronicdevices 120A, 120B, 120C, and a user device 130. Any number ofelectronic devices may be included in the system 100, and three areshown in FIG. 1 merely as an example. Each electronic device 120A, 120B,120C is configured to communicate with the user, the content device 110,and an internet connection device 140. The internet connection device140 is configured to communicate with the user device 130 and internet150.

The content device 110 is configured to transmit content to the user.Examples of the content device 110 include, and are not limited to, atelevision (TV), a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a mobile phone, agaming device, a satellite receiver, a terrestrial radio receiver, anaudio receiver, a set-top-box (STB), a speaker, a camera, a personalwearable device, or an augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) device.The content may include audio content, video content, or both. Audiocontent may include streaming audio, recorded audio, broadcast audio,point-to-point audio, or any combination thereof. Video content mayinclude streaming video, recorded video, broadcast video, point-to-pointvideo, or any combination thereof. The audio content, video content, orboth, may be in real-time or pre-recorded.

Each electronic device 120A, 120B, 120C may be any device configured tointerface with the user. Each electronic device 120A, 120B, 120C mayinclude multi-mode capabilities, and may include multiple transceiversfor communicating with different wireless networks over differentwireless links. For example, each electronic device 120A, 120B, 120C maybe configured to communicate with a device employs a Bluetooth radiotechnology, and with a base station that employs an IEEE 802 radiotechnology. For example, each electronic device 120A, 120B, 120C may bea voice-activated electronic device, a personal hub used to connectmultiple devices that use common communication protocols, a TV, a PC, atablet, a mobile phone, a gaming device, a satellite receiver, aterrestrial radio receiver, an audio receiver, an STB, a speaker, acamera, a personal wearable device, an AR/VR device, or any deviceconfigured to interface with the user.

The user device 130 may be any device configured to interface with theuser. The user device 130 may include multi-mode capabilities, and mayinclude multiple transceivers for communicating with different wirelessnetworks over different wireless links. For example, the user device 130may be configured to communicate with a base station that employs acellular-based radio technology, and with the base station that employsan IEEE 802 radio technology. The user device 130 may include, forexample, a PC, a tablet, a mobile phone, a gaming device, a personalwearable device, an AR/VR device, or any device configured to interfacewith the user.

The internet connection device 140 may be a wireless router, Home NodeB, Home eNode B, or access point, for example, and may utilize anysuitable radio access technology for facilitating wireless connectivityin a localized area, such as a home, a place of business, an educationalfacility, a vehicle, and the like. The internet connection device 140may communicate with the user device 130 over an air interface, whichmay be any suitable wireless communication link, for example, radiofrequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visiblelight, and the like. The internet connection device 140 may implement aradio technology such as IEEE 802.11 to establish a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN). The internet connection device 140 may implement a radiotechnology such as IEEE 802.15 to establish a wireless personal areanetwork (WPAN). The internet connection device 140 may utilize acellular-based radio access technology. Example cellular-based radioaccess technologies include wide-band code division multiple access(WCDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Long TermEvolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the internet connection device 140 may have a direct connection to theInternet 150. Alternatively, the internet connection device 140 mayaccess the Internet 150 via a core network (not shown). The Internet 50may include a global system of interconnected computer networks anddevices that use common communication protocols, such as thetransmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP) andthe internet protocol (IP) in the TCP/IP internet protocol suite.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of an electronic device 200capable of receiving audible and inaudible inputs. Exampleimplementations of the electronic device 200 may include the contentdevice 110, any of electronic devices 120A, 120B, and 120C, and the userdevice 130 of FIG. 1 . The electronic device 200 includes a processor210, a microphone 220, a receiver 230, and a transmitter 240. In someimplementations, the receiver 230 and transmitter 240 may be combinedinto a single transceiver unit. In some implementations, the electronicdevice 200 may include a speaker 250, a sensor/interface 260, a display270, a memory 280, or any combination thereof.

The processor 210 may be a general purpose processor, a special purposeprocessor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), aplurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in associationwith a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGAs)circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine,and the like. The processor 210 may perform signal coding, dataprocessing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any otherfunctionality that enables the electronic device 200 to operate. Theprocessor 210 may be coupled to the receiver 230 and the transmitter240. While FIG. 2 depicts the processor 210, the receiver 230, and thetransmitter 240 as separate components, it will be appreciated that theprocessor 210, the receiver 230, and the transmitter 240 may beintegrated together in an electronic package or chip.

The microphone 220 is coupled to the processor 210 and may be configuredto receive audible and inaudible inputs. The microphone 220 may includemultiple microphones to extend the coverage area of audio capture. Anaudible input may include any audible signals at frequencies perceptibleto a human ear from about 20 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. An inaudible inputmay include any inaudible signals at frequencies that are notperceptible to the human ear from below 20 Hz and above 20,000 Hz. Themicrophone 220 may be configured to detect any auditory command, forexample, a user voice as a user input.

The receiver 230 may be configured to receive signals from an internetconnection device, for example internet connection device 140 shown inFIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the receiver 230 may be an antennaconfigured to receive inaudible inputs such as RF signals. In someembodiments, the receiver 230 may be a detector configured to receiveinaudible inputs such as IR, UV, or visible light signals, for example.In some embodiments, the receiver 230 may be configured to receive bothRF and light signals. It will be appreciated that the receiver 230 maybe configured to receive any combination of wireless signals.

The transmitter 240 may be configured to transmit signals to an internetconnection device, for example internet connection device 140 shown inFIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the transmitter 240 may be an antennaconfigured to transmit RF signals. In some embodiments, the transmitter240 may be an emitter configured to transmit IR, UV, or visible lightsignals, for example. In some embodiments, the transmitter 240 may beconfigured to transmit both RF and light signals. It will be appreciatedthat the transmitter 240 may be configured to transmit any combinationof wireless signals.

The speaker 250 may be coupled to the processor 210 and may beconfigured to emit audible and inaudible signals. The speaker 250 mayinclude multiple speakers to extend the sound field.

The sensor/interface 260 may be coupled to the processor 210 and mayinclude one or more software and/or hardware modules that provideadditional features, functionality and/or wired or wirelessconnectivity. For example, the sensor/interface 260 may include anaccelerometer, an e-compass, a satellite transceiver, an image sensor(for photographs or video), a universal serial bus (USB) port, avibration device, a television transceiver, a hands free headset, aBluetooth® module, a frequency modulated (FM) radio unit, a digitalmusic player, a media player, a video game player module, a keyboard, anInternet browser, and the like. The sensor/interface 260 may beconfigured to detect motion-based or gesture-based commands. Thesensor/interface 260 may be configured to perform facial recognition.For example, facial recognition may be used to correlate a user responseto a specific user and to determine which user responses to ignore. Forexample, if a user is not recognized via facial recognition, a responsefrom that user may be ignored. In some implementations, thesensor/interface 260 may be configured to detect a sign gate or a walkgate of a user to identify the user. A sign gate may function as avirtual fingerprint of a user based on how the user performs specificgestures or signs. A walk gate may function as a virtual fingerprint ofa user based on a unique walking gate of the user.

The display 270 may be coupled to the processor 210 and may be a liquidcrystal display (LCD) display unit, a light emitting diode (LED) displayunit, or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit. Thedisplay 270 may be configured to receive user input, for example, thedisplay 270 may be a capacitive touch display in some embodiments.

The memory 280 may be coupled to the processor 210. The memory 280 mayinclude volatile memory, persistent storage, or both. Volatile memorymay include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory(DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and the like. Persistentstorage may include read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any othertype of memory storage device. Persistent storage may include aremovable storage element such as a memory stick, a secure digital (SD)memory card, and the like.

In a typical situation, multiple users may be in close proximity to eachother and consuming the same content. Each of the multiple users mayhave their own electronic device, for example a mobile phone, that maybe used to interact with the content being consumed. For example,multiple users may be listening to a radio broadcast in a vehicle. Theradio broadcast may ask for user input, for example, in the form of apolling question. Typically, each user would have to invoke a wakecommand for their specific electronic device and then speak anothervoice command to answer the polling question. In this situation, havingto invoke a wake command results in a disjointed and undesirable userexperience. In addition, since multiple users are in close proximity toeach other, there is an increased chance that one or more of theelectronic devices receives a duplicate or redundant user response frommultiple users. Implementing an inaudible signal that alerts the otherelectronic devices in the vicinity that a user response has beenreceived would allow each user to interact with the electronic devicewith a natural response, without invoking a wake command, provide aseamless and enjoyable user experience, and avoid duplicate or redundantuser responses. In this example, a number of electronic devices mayreceive responses from multiple users and process one of the receivedresponses based on a voice identification match. The duplicate responsesmay be stored or discarded.

In another typical situation, multiple electronic devices may be in thevicinity of a user consuming content. For example, the user may beconsuming video content in the living room of his home. The videocontent may include an audio portion that that includes a questionrequesting user input. The living room may include one or moreelectronic devices, such as a mobile phone, a voice assistant, or both,that may be used to interact with the content. Typically, the user wouldhave to invoke a wake command for their specific electronic device andthen speak another voice command to answer the question. In thissituation, having to invoke a wake command results in a disjointed andundesirable user experience. In this example, the user may also haveanother electronic device, such as a voice assistant, in the kitchenthat is capable of interacting with the content. The user may respond tothe question in the living room, however, that response may be detectedby the mobile phone in the living room, the voice assistant in theliving room, the voice assistant in the kitchen, or any combinationthereof. Since multiple electronic devices are in close proximity toeach other, there is an increased chance that one or more of theelectronic devices receives a duplicate or redundant response from theuser in the living room. Implementing an inaudible signal that alertsthe other electronic devices in the vicinity that a user response hasbeen received would allow the user to interact with the intendedelectronic device with a natural response, without invoking a wakecommand, provide a seamless and enjoyable user experience, and avoidduplicate or redundant user responses.

FIG. 3 is a signal diagram of an example of a system 300 for devicesynchronization in accordance with one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure. The system 300 includes a service 305, an input/outputdevice 310, and a number of electronic devices 315A, 315B, 315C. Theservice 305 may include any service that is capable of providingcontent, including, for example, terrestrial audio/video service,satellite audio/video service, cloud-based service, and web-basedservice. A web-based service may be a service that provides a system forapplications or computers to communicate with each over the World WideWeb. The web-based service may include machine-to-machinecommunications. The input/output device 310 may include content device110 shown in FIG. 1 . The electronic devices 315A, 315B, 315C may beelectronic device 200 shown in FIG. 2 . Each of the electronic devices315A, 315B, 315C may receive responses from multiple users and may beconfigured to process one of the received responses based on a voiceidentification match. For example, electronic device 315A may onlyprovide a response to the question “what's on my calendar today” afterit has determined which calendar is associated with the voice asking thequestion. A first user and a second user could both link their calendarsto the same electronic device. If voice identification match is enabled,the electronic device will respond based on who is asking the question.Each of the electronic devices 315A, 315B, 315C may be programed suchthat any user can ask a question, but the system will only log and/orprocess a request from a known user voice response. In someimplementations, the user response may only be forwarded if thelistening device authenticates the voice response with the owner of thedevice.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the service 305 is configured to generate 320 acontent signal and transmit the content signal to the input/outputdevice 310. The content signal may include an audible signal, a videosignal, or both. In an example, the service 305 may include a pairedinaudible signal in the transmission that is associated with an audiblesignal. The input/output device 310 is configured to transmit theaudible signal and the inaudible signal to each of the electronicdevices 315A, 315B, 315C. The audible signal and the inaudible signalmay be transmitted separately or as a multiplexed signal. If the contentsignal does not include an audible signal that is paired with aninaudible signal, the input/output device 310 may be configured togenerate an inaudible signal associated with a content characteristic ofthe audible signal. The input/output device 310 is configured totransmit each inaudible signal at a frequency based on an electronicdevice type.

The inaudible signal may include a frequency signature, a wake command,an instruction, a content ID, a source ID, or any combination thereof.The frequency signature may be the frequency at which the inaudiblesignal is transmitted. The frequency at which the content is transmittedmay be one example to avoid constructive interference, destructiveinterference, or both. The frequency signature may be associated with anelectronic device type. For example, an inaudible signal directed to afirst type of electronic device may be transmitted at a first frequency,and an inaudible signal directed to a second type of electronic devicemay be transmitted at a second frequency. The wake command is used towake the electronic device and may be associated with the electronicdevice type. The content ID may be used to determine a contentcharacteristic, for example, a content context of the video signal. Inan example, the content context may include an inference based on thecontent ID that may influence the meaning or effect of the video signal,the inaudible signal, a portion of the inaudible signal such as theinstruction, or any combination thereof. The source ID may be includedto identify the source of the inaudible signal.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 , each of the electronic devices 315A,315B, 315C are different types of devices. The electronic device 315A isconfigured to receive an inaudible signal at a first frequency, theelectronic device 315B is configured to receive an inaudible signal at asecond frequency, and the electronic device 315C is configured toreceive an inaudible signal at a third frequency. The differentfrequencies of the inaudible signals may be used to differentiate devicetypes, device manufacturers, or both. In this example, each of theelectronic devices 315A, 315B, 315C may receive a respective inaudiblesignal at or approximately the same time.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the electronic device 315A is configured to detect330 the inaudible signal transmitted at the first frequency. Theelectronic device 315A may transmit a respective second inaudible signalto electronic device 315B and electronic device 315C. Each respectivesecond inaudible signal may indicate electronic device 315B andelectronic device 315C to ignore the first inaudible signal from theinput/output device 310. In an example, the electronic device 315A maytransmit the respective second inaudible signal to electronic device315B and electronic device 315C in response to receiving an input, forexample a voice input from a user.

The electronic device 315A may be configured to activate a responsemonitor. Activating the response monitor may include activating amicrophone, for example microphone 220 shown in FIG. 2 . Activating theresponse monitor may be responsive to the frequency signature of theinaudible signal. The electronic device 315A may activate the responsemonitor for a predetermined time and await an input 332 from a user. Theresponse monitor may be a voice response monitor that is configured tomonitor audio inputs for a user input in the form of a voice input. Inan example, by activating the response monitor, the electronic device315A may listen for one or more predetermined user responses and queue acontextual response based on the audio input. In another example, byactivating the response monitor, the electronic device 315A may monitoran audio input for a user response, queue a contextual response based onthe audio input, and determine whether the user response corresponds tothe contextual response. For example, the electronic device 315A maydetermine a content characteristic of the audible signal based on theinaudible signal. The electronic device 315A may be configured toassociate 334 the input with a user ID and a content ID to generate 336a message based on the content characteristic of the audible signal. Thegenerated message may be a contextual response an may include the userID, the content ID, and a device ID that identifies electronic device315A as the source of the generated message. The electronic device 315Amay be configured to transmit the message if the electronic device 315Adetermines that the user response corresponds to the message. Themessage may be transmitted at any of an ultrasonic frequency, anultrahigh frequency (UHF), an infrared (IR) frequency, a light fidelity(Li-Fi) frequency, and an electromagnetic frequency capable oftransmitting data.

The electronic device 315B is configured to detect 340 the inaudiblesignal transmitted at the second frequency. In this example, theelectronic device 315B receives the second inaudible signal from thefirst electronic device 315A. The electronic device 315B is configuredto receive and detect 340A the second inaudible signal at a secondfrequency. In this example, the second inaudible signal is detected 340Aafter the first inaudible signal is detected 340. The second inaudiblesignal may include an indication to electronic device 315B to ignore thefirst inaudible signal from the input/output device 310. In thisexample, the electronic device 315B ignores the first inaudible signaland awaits the next inaudible signal from input/output device 310.

The electronic device 315C is configured to detect 350 the inaudiblesignal transmitted at the first frequency. In this example, theelectronic device 315C receives the second inaudible signal from thefirst electronic device 315A. The electronic device 315C is configuredto receive and detect 350A the second inaudible signal at a thirdfrequency. In this example, the second inaudible signal is detected 350Aafter the first inaudible signal is detected 350. The electronic device315C is configured to receive the second inaudible signal at a thirdfrequency. The second inaudible signal may include an indication toelectronic device 315C to ignore the first inaudible signal from theinput/output device 310. In this example, the electronic device 315Cignores the first inaudible signal and awaits the next inaudible signalfrom input/output device 310.

The input/output device 310 is configured to receive the message fromelectronic device 315A. The message may be a contextual response an mayinclude the user ID, the content ID, and a device ID that identifieselectronic device 315A as the source of the message. The input/outputdevice 310 is configured to transmit the message to the service 305. Thecontent ID of the transmitted message may instruct an application onservice 305 to perform an action.

FIG. 4 is a signal diagram of another example of a system 400 for devicesynchronization in accordance with one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure. The system 400 includes a service 405, an input/outputdevice 410, and a number of electronic devices 415A, 415B, 415C. Theservice 405 may include any service that is capable of providingcontent, including, for example, terrestrial audio/video service,satellite audio/video service, cloud-based service, and web-basedservice. A web-based service may be a service that provides a system forapplications or computers to communicate with each over the World WideWeb. The web-based service may include machine-to-machinecommunications. The input/output device 410 may include content device110 shown in FIG. 1 . The electronic devices 415A, 415B, 415C may beelectronic device 200 shown in FIG. 2 . Each of the electronic devices415A, 415B, 415C may receive responses from multiple users and may beconfigured to process one of the received responses based on a voiceidentification match. For example, electronic device 415A may onlyprovide a response to the question “what's on my calendar today” afterit has determined which calendar is associated with the voice asking thequestion. A first user and a second user could both link their calendarsto the same electronic device. If voice identification match is enabled,the electronic device will respond based on who is asking the question.Each of the electronic devices 415A, 415B, 415C may be programed suchthat any user can ask a question, but the system will only log and/orprocess a request from a known user voice response. In someimplementations, the user response may only be forwarded if thelistening device authenticates the voice response with the owner of thedevice.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the service 405 is configured to generate 420 acontent signal and transmit the content signal to the input/outputdevice 410. The content signal may include an audible signal, a videosignal, or both. In an example, the service 405 may include a pairedinaudible signal in the transmission that is associated with an audiblesignal. The input/output device 410 is configured to transmit theaudible signal and the inaudible signal to each of the electronicdevices 415A, 415B, 415C. The audible signal and the inaudible signalmay be transmitted separately or as a multiplexed signal. If the contentsignal does not include an audible signal that is paired with aninaudible signal, the input/output device 410 may be configured togenerate an inaudible signal associated with a content characteristic ofthe audible signal. The input/output device 410 is configured totransmit each inaudible signal at a frequency based on an electronicdevice type.

The inaudible signal may include a frequency signature, a wake command,an instruction, a content ID, a source ID, or any combination thereof.The frequency signature may be the frequency at which the inaudiblesignal is transmitted. The frequency signature may be associated with anelectronic device type. For example, an inaudible signal directed to afirst type of electronic device may be transmitted at a first frequency,and an inaudible signal directed to a second type of electronic devicemay be transmitted at a second frequency. The wake command is used towake the electronic device and may be associated with the electronicdevice type. The content ID may be used to determine a contentcharacteristic, for example, a content context of the video signal. Inan example, the content context may include an inference based on thecontent ID that may influence the meaning or effect of the video signal,the inaudible signal, a portion of the inaudible signal such as theinstruction, or any combination thereof. The source ID may be includedto identify the source of the inaudible signal.

In the example shown in FIG. 4 , each of the electronic devices 415A,415B, 415C are different types of devices. The electronic device 415A isconfigured to receive an inaudible signal at a first frequency, theelectronic device 415B is configured to receive an inaudible signal at asecond frequency, and the electronic device 415C is configured toreceive an inaudible signal at a third frequency. The differentfrequencies of the inaudible signals may be used to differentiate devicetypes, device manufacturers, or both. In this example, the electronicdevices 415B, 415C may receive the inaudible signals from the electronicdevice 415A before receiving the inaudible signals from the input/outputdevice 410.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the electronic device 415A is configured to detect430 the inaudible signal transmitted at the first frequency. Theelectronic device 415A may transmit a respective second inaudible signalto electronic device 415B and electronic device 415C. Each respectivesecond inaudible signal may indicate electronic device 415B andelectronic device 415C to ignore the first inaudible signal from theinput/output device 410. In an example, the electronic device 415A maytransmit the respective second inaudible signal to electronic device415B and electronic device 415C in response to receiving an input, forexample a voice input from a user.

The electronic device 415A may be configured to activate a responsemonitor. Activating the response monitor may include activating amicrophone, for example microphone 220 shown in FIG. 2 . Activating theresponse monitor may be responsive to the frequency signature of theinaudible signal. The electronic device 415A may activate the responsemonitor for a predetermined time and await an input 432 from a user. Theresponse monitor may be a voice response monitor that is configured tomonitor audio inputs for a user input in the form of a voice input. Inan example, by activating the response monitor, the electronic device415A may listen for one or more predetermined user responses and queue acontextual response based on the audio input. In another example, byactivating the response monitor, the electronic device 415A may monitoran audio input for a user response, queue a contextual response based onthe audio input, and determine whether the user response corresponds tothe contextual response. For example, the electronic device 415A maydetermine a content characteristic of the audible signal based on theinaudible signal. The electronic device 415A may be configured toassociate 434 the input with a user ID and a content ID to generate 436a message based on the content characteristic of the audible signal. Thegenerated message may be a contextual response an may include the userID, the content ID, and a device ID that identifies electronic device415A as the source of the generated message. The electronic device 415Amay be configured to transmit the message if the electronic device 415Adetermines that the user response corresponds to the message. Themessage may be transmitted at an ultrasonic frequency, an UHF, an IRfrequency, a Li-Fi frequency, and an electromagnetic frequency capableof transmitting data.

In this example, the electronic device 415B may receive the secondinaudible signal 440A prior to receiving the first inaudible signal 440transmitted at the second frequency. In this example, the electronicdevice 415B receives the second inaudible signal 440A from the firstelectronic device 415A. The electronic device 415B is configured toreceive the second inaudible signal at a second frequency. The secondinaudible signal may include an indication to electronic device 415B toignore the first inaudible signal from the input/output device 410.After receiving the second inaudible signal, the electronic device 415Bmay detect 440 the inaudible signal transmitted at the second frequency.In this example, the electronic device 415B ignores the first inaudiblesignal and awaits the next inaudible signal from input/output device410.

In this example, the electronic device 415C may receive the secondinaudible signal 450A prior to receiving the first inaudible signal 450transmitted at the second frequency. In this example, the electronicdevice 415C receives the second inaudible signal 450A from the firstelectronic device 415A. The electronic device 415C is configured toreceive the second inaudible signal at a second frequency. The secondinaudible signal may include an indication to electronic device 415C toignore the first inaudible signal from the input/output device 410.After receiving the second inaudible signal, the electronic device 415Cmay detect 450 the inaudible signal transmitted at the second frequency.In this example, the electronic device 415C ignores the first inaudiblesignal and awaits the next inaudible signal from input/output device410.

The input/output device 410 is configured to receive the message fromelectronic device 415A. The message may be a contextual response an mayinclude the user ID, the content ID, and a device ID that identifieselectronic device 415A as the source of the message. The input/outputdevice 410 is configured to transmit the message to the service 405. Thecontent ID of the transmitted message may instruct an application onservice 405 to perform an action.

FIG. 5 is a signal diagram of another example of a system 500 for devicesynchronization in accordance with one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure. The system 500 includes a service 505, an input/outputdevice 510, and a number of electronic devices 515A, 515B, 515C. Theservice 505 may include any service that is capable of providingcontent, including, for example, terrestrial audio/video service,satellite audio/video service, cloud-based service, and web-basedservice. A web-based service may be a service that provides a system forapplications or computers to communicate with each over the World WideWeb. The web-based service may include machine-to-machinecommunications. The input/output device 510 may include content device110 shown in FIG. 1 . The electronic devices 515A, 515B, 515C may beelectronic device 200 shown in FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the service 505 is configured to generate 520 acontent signal and transmit the content signal to the input/outputdevice 510. The content signal may include an audible signal, a videosignal, or both. In an example, the service 505 may include a pairedinaudible signal in the transmission that is associated with an audiblesignal. The input/output device 510 is configured to transmit theaudible signal and the inaudible signal to each of the electronicdevices 515A, 515B, 515C. The audible signal and the inaudible signalmay be transmitted separately or as a multiplexed signal. If the contentsignal does not include an audible signal that is paired with aninaudible signal, the input/output device 510 may be configured togenerate an inaudible signal associated with a content characteristic ofthe audible signal. The input/output device 510 is configured totransmit each inaudible signal at a frequency based on an electronicdevice type.

The inaudible signal may include a frequency signature, a wake command,an instruction, a content ID, a source ID, or any combination thereof.The frequency signature may be the frequency at which the inaudiblesignal is transmitted. The frequency signature may be associated with anelectronic device type. For example, an inaudible signal directed to afirst type of electronic device may be transmitted at a first frequency,and an inaudible signal directed to a second type of electronic devicemay be transmitted at a second frequency. The wake command is used towake the electronic device and may be associated with the electronicdevice type. The content ID may be used to determine a contentcharacteristic, for example, a content context of the video signal. Inan example, the content context may include an inference based on thecontent ID that may influence the meaning or effect of the video signal,the inaudible signal, a portion of the inaudible signal such as theinstruction, or any combination thereof. The source ID may be includedto identify the source of the inaudible signal.

In the example shown in FIG. 5 , each of the electronic devices 515A,515B, 515C are different types of devices. The electronic device 515A isconfigured to receive an inaudible signal at a first frequency, theelectronic device 515B is configured to receive an inaudible signal at asecond frequency, and the electronic device 515C is configured toreceive an inaudible signal at a third frequency. The differentfrequencies of the inaudible signals may be used to differentiate devicetypes, device manufacturers, or both.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the electronic device 515A is configured to detect530 the inaudible signal transmitted at the first frequency. Theelectronic device 515A may be configured to activate a response monitor.Activating the response monitor may include activating a microphone, forexample microphone 220 shown in FIG. 2 . In some implementations,activating the response monitor may include activating a sensor todetect a user gesture. Activating the response monitor may be responsiveto the frequency signature of the inaudible signal. The electronicdevice 515A may activate the response monitor for a predetermined timeand await an input 532 from a user. The response monitor may be a voiceresponse monitor that is configured to monitor audio inputs for a userinput in the form of a voice input. In an example, by activating theresponse monitor, the electronic device 515A may listen for one or morepredetermined user responses and queue a contextual response based onthe audio input. In another example, by activating the response monitor,the electronic device 515A may monitor an audio input for a userresponse, queue a contextual response based on the audio input, anddetermine whether the user response corresponds to the contextualresponse. For example, the electronic device 515A may determine acontent characteristic of the audible signal based on the inaudiblesignal. The electronic device 515A may be configured to associate 534the input with a user ID and a content ID to generate 536 a messagebased on the content characteristic of the audible signal. The generatedmessage may be a contextual response an may include the user ID, thecontent ID, and a device ID that identifies electronic device 515A asthe source of the generated message. The electronic device 515A may beconfigured to transmit the message if the electronic device 515Adetermines that the user response corresponds to the message. Themessage may be transmitted at any of an ultrasonic frequency, an UHF, anIR frequency, a Li-Fi frequency, and an electromagnetic frequencycapable of transmitting data.

The electronic device 515B is configured to detect 540 the inaudiblesignal transmitted at the second frequency. The electronic device 515Bmay be configured to activate a response monitor. Activating theresponse monitor may include activating a microphone, for examplemicrophone 220 shown in FIG. 2 . Activating the response monitor may beresponsive to the frequency signature of the inaudible signal. Theelectronic device 515B may activate the response monitor for apredetermined time and await an input 542 from a user. The responsemonitor may be a voice response monitor that is configured to monitoraudio inputs for a user input in the form of a voice input. In anexample, by activating the response monitor, the electronic device 515Bmay listen for one or more predetermined user responses and queue acontextual response based on the audio input. In another example, byactivating the response monitor, the electronic device 515B may monitoran audio input for a user response, queue a contextual response based onthe audio input, and determine whether the user response corresponds tothe contextual response. For example, the electronic device 515B maydetermine a content characteristic of the audible signal based on theinaudible signal. The electronic device 515B may be configured toassociate 544 the input with a user ID and a content ID to generate 546a message based on the content characteristic of the audible signal. Thegenerated message may be a contextual response an may include the userID, the content ID, and a device ID that identifies electronic device515B as the source of the generated message. The electronic device 515Bmay be configured to transmit the message if the electronic device 515Bdetermines that the user response corresponds to the message.

The electronic device 515C is configured to detect 550 the inaudiblesignal transmitted at the first frequency. The electronic device 515Cmay be configured to activate a response monitor. Activating theresponse monitor may include activating a microphone, for examplemicrophone 220 shown in FIG. 2 . Activating the response monitor may beresponsive to the frequency signature of the inaudible signal. Theelectronic device 515C may activate the response monitor for apredetermined time and await an input 552 from a user. The responsemonitor may be a voice response monitor that is configured to monitoraudio inputs for a user input in the form of a voice input. In anexample, by activating the response monitor, the electronic device 515Cmay listen for one or more predetermined user responses and queue acontextual response based on the audio input. In another example, byactivating the response monitor, the electronic device 515C may monitoran audio input for a user response, queue a contextual response based onthe audio input, and determine whether the user response corresponds tothe contextual response. For example, the electronic device 515C maydetermine a content characteristic of the audible signal based on theinaudible signal. The electronic device 515C may be configured toassociate 554 the input with a user ID and a content ID to generate 556a message based on the content characteristic of the audible signal. Thegenerated message may be a contextual response an may include the userID, the content ID, and a device ID that identifies electronic device515C as the source of the generated message. The electronic device 515Cmay be configured to transmit the message if the electronic device 515Cdetermines that the user response corresponds to the message.

The input/output device 510 is configured to receive each respectivemessage from electronic device 515A, electronic device 515B, andelectronic device 515C. The input/output device 510 is configured totransmit one of the received messages to the service 505. Theinput/output device 510 may be configured to determine 560 that two ormore of the received messages are redundant messages or duplicatemessages. The input/output device 510 may determine 560 that two or moreof the received messages are redundant messages or duplicate messagesbased on the respective content IDs and device IDs. For example, if thecontent IDs for each of the received messages are identical and thedevice IDs indicate that the source for the messages are different, theinput/output device would determine that the messages are redundant. Inan example, the input/output device 510 may be configured to remove 570the duplicate or redundant messages prior to transmitting one of thereceived message to the service 505. The content ID of the transmittedmessage may instruct an application on service 505 to perform an action.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 for reducing duplicateresponses in accordance with one or more embodiments of this disclosure.The method 600 includes receiving 610 a first inaudible signal. Thefirst inaudible signal may include a frequency signature, a wakecommand, an instruction, a content ID, a source ID, or any combinationthereof. The frequency signature may be the frequency at which theinaudible signal is transmitted. The frequency signature may beassociated with an electronic device type. For example, an inaudiblesignal directed to a first type of electronic device may be transmittedat a first frequency, and an inaudible signal directed to a second typeof electronic device may be transmitted at a second frequency. The wakecommand is used to wake the electronic device and may be associated withthe electronic device type. The content ID may be used to determine acontent characteristic, for example, a content context of the videosignal. In an example, the content context may include an inferencebased on the content ID that may influence the meaning or effect of avideo signal, the first inaudible signal, a portion of the inaudiblesignal such as the instruction, or any combination thereof. The sourceID may be included to identify the source of the inaudible signal. Thefirst inaudible signal may be associated with a content signal. Thecontent signal may include an audio signal portion, a video signalportion, or both.

The method 600 includes receiving 620 an input. The input may be anytype of user input including a voice input, a gesture input, a biometricinput, a text input, or any combination thereof. The input may beassociated with a user ID. The user ID may be used to authenticate auser with a user account.

The method 600 includes transmitting 630 a second inaudible signal. Thesecond inaudible signal may be transmitted in response to the input. Thesecond inaudible signal may include a frequency signature, aninstruction, a source ID, or any combination thereof. The frequencysignature may be associated with an electronic device type. For example,an inaudible signal directed to a first type of electronic device may betransmitted at a first frequency, and an inaudible signal directed to asecond type of electronic device may be transmitted at a secondfrequency. The instruction may be an indication to an electronic deviceto ignore the first inaudible signal. The source ID may be included toidentify the source of the second inaudible signal.

The method 600 includes transmitting 640 a message. The message may bebased on the input, a content ID of the first inaudible signal, or both.The message may be a contextual response an may include the user ID, thecontent ID, and the source ID. The message may be transmitted at any ofan ultrasonic frequency, an UHF, an IR frequency, a Li-Fi frequency, andan electromagnetic frequency capable of transmitting data.

The method 600 may be implemented in a system that has multiple devicesand one user. In this example, all the devices in the system may beregistered to the user. The user may respond to content with an inputthat is received by all of the devices. In some implementations, thedetermination of whether the input received by each of the devices is aduplicate may be performed by a device such as input/output device 310,410, 510 in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 , respectively. In some implementations,the determination of whether the input received by each of the devicesis a duplicate may be performed by one or more of the devices thatreceive the input.

The method 600 may be implemented in a system that has multiple devicesand one user. In this example, some of the devices in the system may beregistered to the user, while other devices in the system may beregistered to other users. The user may respond to content with an inputthat is received by all of the devices. Each of the devices may verifywhether the received input is from a registered user. A device may notperform steps 630 and 640 if it is determined that the user is not aregistered user. If it is determined that the user is a registered user,the determination of whether the input received by each of the devicesis a duplicate may be performed by a device such as input/output device310, 410, 510 in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 , respectively. In someimplementations, the determination of whether the input received by eachof the devices is a duplicate may be performed by one or more of thedevices that receive the input.

The method 600 may be implemented in a system that has multiple devicesand multiple users. In this example, some of the devices in the systemmay be registered to a first user, while other devices in the system maybe registered to a second user. In one example, the first user mayrespond to content with an input that is received by all of the devices.Each of the devices may verify whether the received input is from aregistered user. A device may not perform steps 630 and 640 if it isdetermined that the first user is not a registered user. If it isdetermined that the first user is a registered user, the determinationof whether the input received by each of the devices registered with thefirst user is a duplicate may be performed by a device such asinput/output device 310, 410, 510 in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 , respectively.In some implementations, the determination of whether the input receivedby each of the devices is a duplicate may be performed by one or more ofthe devices that receive the input.

In another example, the second user may respond to content with an inputthat is received by all of the devices. Each of the devices may verifywhether the received input is from a registered user. A device may notperform steps 630 and 640 if it is determined that the second user isnot a registered user. If it is determined that the second user is aregistered user, the determination of whether the input received by eachof the devices registered with the second user is a duplicate may beperformed by a device such as input/output device 310, 410, 510 in FIGS.3, 4, and 5 , respectively. In some implementations, the determinationof whether the input received by each of the devices is a duplicate maybe performed by one or more of the devices that receive the input.

In another example, the first user and the second user may respond tocontent with an input that is received by all of the devices. Each ofthe devices may verify whether the received input is from a registereduser. A device may not perform steps 630 and 640 if it is determinedthat the first or second user is not a registered user. If it isdetermined that the first or second user is a registered user, thedetermination of whether the input received by each of the devicesrespectively registered with the first or second user is a duplicate maybe performed by a device such as input/output device 310, 410, 510 inFIGS. 3, 4, and 5 , respectively. In some implementations, thedetermination of whether the input received by each of the devices is aduplicate may be performed by one or more of the devices that receivethe input.

Although features and elements are described above in particularcombinations, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that eachfeature or element may be used alone or in combination with any of theother features and elements. In addition, the embodiments describedherein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmwareincorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computeror processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronicsignals, (transmitted over wired or wireless connections), andcomputer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storagemedia include, but are not limited to, a read only memory (ROM), arandom access memory (RAM), a register, a cache memory, a semiconductormemory device, a magnetic media, (e.g., an internal hard disc or aremovable disc), a magneto-optical media, and an optical media such as acompact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD). While thedisclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, itis to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope ofthe appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures as is permitted under the law.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A method comprising: receiving, at an input/outputdevice, an audible signal and an associated inaudible signal transmittedfrom a content generating device; transmitting the audible signal andthe inaudible signal to a plurality of electronic devices, the inaudiblesignal causing the plurality of electronic devices to activate aresponse monitor to await input from a user, the user input associatedwith the audible signal; receiving a plurality of messages from at leasttwo of the plurality of electronic devices, wherein each of theplurality of messages is based on the user input and includes a contentID and a device ID; determining, based on the content ID and the deviceID, if one or more of the plurality of messages are redundant; andremoving messages determined to be redundant from the plurality ofmessages.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: transmitting,from the input/output device to the content generating device, remainingmessages of the plurality of messages after removing any redundantmessages.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the content ID of amessage instructs an application of the content generating device toperform an action.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein each of theplurality of messages further includes a user ID, and wherein thedetermining if one or more of the plurality of messages are redundant isfurther based on the user ID.
 25. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising: authenticating the user with a user account, wherein theuser is authenticated based on the user ID.
 26. The method of claim 21,wherein the audible signal and the inaudible signal are received fromthe content generating device separately.
 27. The method of claim 21,wherein the audible signal and the inaudible signal are received fromthe content generating device simultaneously over a multiplexed signal.28. The method of claim 21, wherein the inaudible signal includes afrequency signature that is a frequency at which the inaudible signal istransmitted, and wherein the frequency signature is associated with anelectronic device type.
 29. The method of claim 21, wherein the responsemonitor includes at least one of: activating a microphone and activatinga sensor to detect a user gesture.
 30. The method of claim 21, whereinthe response monitor is activated for a predetermined time.
 31. A systemcomprising: a content generating device; and an input/output deviceconfigured to: receive, at an input/output device, an audible signal andan associated inaudible signal transmitted from a content generatingdevice; transmit the audible signal and the inaudible signal to aplurality of electronic devices, the inaudible signal causing theplurality of electronic devices to activate a response monitor to awaitinput from a user, the user input associated with the audible signal;receive a plurality of messages from at least two of the plurality ofelectronic devices, wherein each of the plurality of messages is basedon the user input and includes a content ID and a device ID; determine,based on the content ID and the device ID, if one or more of theplurality of messages are redundant; and remove messages determined tobe redundant from the plurality of messages.
 32. The system of claim 31,wherein the input/output device is further configured to: transmit, fromthe input/output device to the content generating device, remainingmessages of the plurality of messages after removing any redundantmessages.
 33. The system of claim 31, wherein the content ID of amessage instructs an application of the content generating device toperform an action.
 34. The system of claim 31, wherein each of theplurality of messages further includes a user ID, and whereindetermining if one or more of the plurality of messages are redundant isfurther based on the user ID.
 35. The system of claim 34, wherein theinput/output device is further configured to: authenticate the user witha user account, wherein the user is authenticated based on the user ID.36. system of claim 31, wherein the audible signal and the inaudiblesignal are received from the content generating device separately. 37.The system of claim 31, wherein the audible signal and the inaudiblesignal are received from the content generating device simultaneouslyover a multiplexed signal.
 38. The system of claim 31, wherein theinaudible signal includes a frequency signature that is a frequency atwhich the inaudible signal is transmitted, and wherein the frequencysignature is associated with an electronic device type.
 39. The systemof claim 31, wherein the response monitor includes at least one of:activating a microphone and activating a sensor to detect a usergesture.
 40. The system of claim 31, wherein the response monitor isactivated for a predetermined time.